OPTIMAL STRUCTURAL DESIGN.

Abstract : Optimal structural design is concerned with the minimum weight or cost design of a structure subjected to certain service conditions and behavioral constraints. The service conditions may include a wide variety of static or dynamic loads whereas the behavioral constraints take the form of limits on deformation, stress, natural frequency, maximum load capacity, etc. The research fell into three basic categories: (1) general methodology, (2) optimal design of specific structural elements, and (3) optimal layout.